Banana Seedlings Research Articles

Biological control of banana wilt disease caused by Fusarium oxyspoum f. sp. Cubense using Streptomyces sp. H4

Banana Fusarium wilt caused by Fusarium oxyspoum f. sp. cubense (Foc) is one of the most destructive diseases. Foc tropical race 4 (TR4) is threatening the global banana industry and can infect almost all banana cultivars. Until now, there is still a lack of an effective method for controlling fusarium wilt. Application of beneficial microbes is considered as an environmentally sound option to manage phytopathogenic fungi. We previously identified Streptomyces sp. H4 with a strong antifungal activity against Foc TR4. In this study, strain H4 extracts obviously inhibited mycelial growth, spore germination and tube elongation of Foc TR4. Spore germination was completely suppressed by 8 × EC50 of extracts. Cell membrane integrity and ultrastructure of Foc TR4 were destroyed, which was supported by the increase of extracellular conductivity and nucleic acid releasing. In a pot experiment, the fermentation broth of strain H4 significantly decreased the disease index of Foc TR4 and improved the growth of banana seedlings. Hence, Streptomyces sp. H4 will be a potential microbial resource for the biocontrol of banana Fusarium wilt and the promotion of plant growth.

Newly Isolated Streptomyces sp. JBS5-6 as a Potential Biocontrol Agent to Control Banana Fusarium Wilt: Genome Sequencing and Secondary Metabolite Cluster Profiles.

Banana is a key staple food and fruit in countries all over the world. However, the development of the global banana industry is seriously threatened by Fusarium wilt disease, which is caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc). In particular, Foc tropical race 4 (Foc TR4) could infect more than 80% of global banana and plantain crops. Until now, there were no commercial chemicals or resistant cultivars available to control the disease. Biological control using actinomycetes is considered a promising strategy. In this study, 88 actinomycetes were isolated from a banana orchard without symptoms of Fusarium wilt disease for more than 10 years. An actinobacterial strain labeled as JBS5-6 has exhibited strong antifungal activities against Foc TR4 and other selected 10 phytopathogenic fungi. Based on phenotypic and biochemical traits as well as complete genome analysis, strain JBS5-6 was assigned to Streptomyces violaceusniger. Extracts of the strain inhibited the mycelial growth and spore germination of Foc TR4 by destroying membrane integrity and the ultrastructure of cells. The complete genome of strain JBS5-6 was sequenced and revealed a number of key function gene clusters that contribute to the biosynthesis of active secondary metabolites. Sixteen chemical compounds were further identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxaldehyde was one of the dominant components in strain JBS5-6 extracts. Moreover, fermentation broth of strain JBS5-6 significantly reduced the disease index of banana seedlings by inhibiting the infection of Foc TR4 in a pot experiment. Hence, strain JBS5-6 is a potential biocontrol agent for the management of disease and the exploitation of biofertilizer.

Investigating the ideal mixture of soil and organic compound with Bacillus sp. and Trichoderma asperellum inoculations for optimal growth and nutrient content of banana seedlings

Organic compounds from the compost of agricultural waste have been increasingly used in the formulation of substrates for fruit seedlings production. Microorganisms can enhance the beneficial effects of fertilizers on the plant, but reports on the use of endophytic strains to promote banana plant growth are rare. The goal of this study was to investigate the ideal mixture of soil and organic compound with Bacillus sp. and Trichoderma asperellum inoculations for optimal growth and nutrient content of banana seedlings. A Greenhouse experiment was arranged in a factorial scheme (3 × 2 × 2)+3, five times replicated, with the following factors: (a) substrates consisting of three organic compound and soil ratios – 20:80, 40:60, 60:40 (v/v); (b) Bacillus sp. inoculation – with [B+] and without [B-]; and (c) Trichoderma asperellum inoculation – with [T+] and without [T-]. Additionally, the following controls for substrates consisting of soil free of organic compound (0:100) were also considered: [B+T-], [B-T+], and [B-T-]. After 100 days from planting, plant height (H), pseudostem diameter (D), H/D ratio, number of leaves, total leaf area, root volume, shoot and root dry mass, net photosynthesis, and contents of chlorophyll, carotenoid, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) were evaluated. Results showed that the substrate 40:60 with Bacillus sp. or Trichoderma asperellum inoculation provides the best morphophysiological quality to banana seedlings. The strains also showed potential to promote plant growth in different ways, either by helping phosphate solubilization or by favoring auxins and hydrolytic enzymes synthesis.

The Effect of IAA Concentration and Growing Media Composition on Banana Raja Bulu (Musa paradisiaca L.) Planlet Growth at Aclimatization Stage

Banana plants are an annua horticultural crops that has production capability without depend on the season and are widely cultivated in the tropic or subtropic areas. Tissue culture can produce good quality banana seedling in large quantities. Banana planlets from tissue culture require appropriate growing media and growth regulators such as auxin to stimulate their metabolic systems. The research aim to examine effect of IAA auxin hormone concentration, composition sand: compost: husk charcoal and its interactions on the growth of raja bulu banana plantlets. The research was conducted in July - September 2019 at Plant Physiology and Breeding Laboratory, Faculty of Animal and Agricultural Sciences, Diponegoro University, Semarang. The study used a complete randomized factorial design 4x2 with 5 replications. The first factor was IAA concentration (K) consists of 4 levels, K0: 0 ppm, K1: 30 ppm, K2: 60 ppm, K3: 90 ppm. The second factor was composition of growing media (M), M0: sand: compost: husk charcoal (1: 1: 1) and M1: sand: compost: husk charcoal (1: 1: 2). Data were analyzed by F test and proceeded by DMRT test at the level of 5%. The results showed that IAA significantly affected stem diameter, number of leaves, chlorophyll content and nitrate reductase activity of banana seedlings. The treatment of growing media significantly affected plant height and number of leaves. Concentration of 30 ppm IAA at all growing media increased significantly on stem diameter, number of leaves, chlorophyll content and nitrate reductase activity.

Pig manure in the production of banana seedlings

Pig breeding generates waste that, if not handled correctly, can cause serious environmental problems. The application of these residues in the soil appears as a sustainable alternative, since the manure, being rich in organic matter and mineral nutrients, promotes the improvement of the physical, chemical and biological quality of the soil avoiding the contamination of natural resources if it is released in the water or directly on the ground without proper treatment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the development of banana seedlings fertigated with pig slurry (PS) analyzing its efficiency compared to conventional treatment (chemical). The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with six treatments and six replications (3 seedlings per repetition), the doses being defined based on the fertilizer recommendation for the production of banana seedlings and the nutrient in greater concentration in the manure, which, in this case, was nitrogen, considered as the dose limiter. The results showed that PS was efficient in supplying nutrients to the banana seedlings and it can be used as a substitute for chemical fertilizer. The treatment with manure corresponding to 25.0% of the nitrogen recommended to produce banana seedlings provided the greatest development.

Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense biocontrol mediated by Bacillus spp. in Prata-Anã banana

The aim of this study was to evaluate the controlling effect of Bacillus spp. on Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc) activity under greenhouse conditions. Two experiments were set up, with the first consisting of one Bacillus application on the substrate, with Foc addition seven days later; two Bacillus applications at a seven-day interval on the substrate and Foc application seven days after the last Bacillus application; and Bacillus applied to the substrate at the same time as Foc. After 14 days of incubation of the substrate infested with Foc and Bacillus, banana seedlings of the Prata-Ana cultivar were planted in tubes. In the second experiment, the application interval was the same as the pre-inoculation experiment, but with Fusarium inoculated first and then transferring bacteria to the substrate. The results of both experiments demonstrated that the Bacillus spp. application after the Fusarium installation, with and without time interval, proved to be the best biocontrol of this disease in Prata-Ana plants.

First report of Ralstonia solanacearum causing bacterial wilt of eucalyptus in Ecuador.

In January 2018, eucalyptus trees showing wilt symptoms were identified in a commercial plantation located in the Quevedo Cantón, Los Ríos province, Ecuador. Disease incidence reached 40% of the eucalyptus field and affected plants displayed reddening and wilting of the foliage, leaf drop, branch dieback, and reduced growth, resembling bacterial wilting symptoms (Santiago et al., 2014). Transverse sections made on trunks of wilted trees revealed vascular discoloration of the wood and bacterial ooze. Wood pieces taken from discoloured tissues were surface disinfected and macerated in sterilized distilled water. The resulting suspensions were spread on plates containing triphenyltetrazolium chloride medium (TZC) (Kelman, 1954) and incubated at 28°C for 48 h. Three mucoid white colonies with pinkish centers, characteristic of Ralstonia solanacearum, were purified (Figure S1C). The isolates were Gram negative in the KOH test, non-fluorescent on King's B medium, and formed cream colonies on yeat extract-dextrose-calcium carbonate (YDC) medium. Phylotype-specific multiplex PCR (PMX-PCR) (Fegan and Prior, 2005) and phylogenetic analysis based on partial endoglucanase (egl) gene sequences (Poussier et al. 2000) (Figure S2) identified the isolates as R. solanacearum Phylotype IIB sequevar 51. The isolates were preserved in the COAD culture collection of the Universidade Federal de Vicosa, Brazil (codes COAD 2586, 2587 and 2588) and the corresponding egl DNA sequences were deposited in the GenBank (accession numbers MH350031, MH350032 and MH350033). Pathogenicity tests were conducted with all three isolates. Twenty microliters of bacterial suspensions (108 CFU/mL of saline solution) were injected at the base of the stem of eucalyptus (Eucalyptus urograndis), banana (Musa sp. cv. Maçã) and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum cv. Santa Clara) plants kept in a greenhouse (28 ± 2 °C) (Fonseca et al., 2016). Three plants of each host species were inoculated per bacterial isolate and plants injected with distilled water were used as controls. Necrotic symptoms appeared at the inoculation site on eucalyptus plants after 10 days. Wilt symptoms started at the top and progressed towards the base of the plants (Figure S1A). Tomato plants died within one week, and eucalyptus seedlings died after three weeks. The inoculated banana seedlings and all plants from the control treatments remained asymptomatic. Bacterial ooze was observed on freshly-cut transverse sections made on wilted eucalyptus seedlings (Figure S1B) and typical colonies of R. solanacearum were isolated from inoculated plants, fulfilling Koch's postulates. The correct diagnosis of the pathogen is the first step in the long-term process of developing effective management tools for this disease in Ecuador.

Nitric oxide improves tolerance to Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4 in banana

Nitric Oxide (NO) is one of the most studied signalling molecules as it is an important modulator that interact with other molecules during plant defence mechanism against pathogen attack. The predominant regulatory mode of action of NO is protein S-nitrosylation - the covalent binding of NO moiety to the sulfhydryl group of cysteine residue to form S-nitrosothiol (SNO). In this study, we examined the potential role of NO in modulating the interaction of banana- Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense Tropical Race 4. We demonstrated that pre-treatment of banana seedlings with NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) managed to delay Fusarium wilt symptom development, corresponding to a low disease severity index (DSI) whereas pre-treatment with NO scavenger 2-phenyl-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-1-oxyl-3-oxide (cPTIO) increased the DSI. GSNO treatment increased the SNO level from 57.6 μM mgˉ1 during the early stage of infection to 97 μM mgˉ1 in Foc TR4-challenged banana roots. Biotin switch assay also showed that the banana proteins are S-nitrosylated following inoculation with FocTR4. The findings of this study suggested that NO can improve the tolerance of banana to Foc TR4 through S-nitrosylation, as a molecular mechanism underlying the interaction between the FocTR4 and banana.

Short Communication: Biological control of Fusarium wilt on banana plants using biofertilizers

Abstract. Widyantoro A, Hadiwiyono, Subagiya. 2020. Biological control of Fusarium wilt on banana plants using biofertilizers. Biodiversitas 21: 2119-2123. Fusarium wilt is an important disease of banana caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (FOC). The FOC is a weak parasite that attacks many bananas whose conditions are weak such as nutrients. Therefore, controlling Fusarium wilt through fertilization is important so that bananas are not nutrient deficient which can cause plants to be susceptible to FOC. The research aimed to study the effect of biofertilizer applications on FOC suppression in planta. Seven treatments were tested on banana seedlings cv. Ambon Kuning under a completely randomized design: (i) no biofertilizer, (ii) carrier material of biofertilizer, (iii) comparative biofertilizer product, (iv) Azotobacter, (v) Azospirillum, (vi) Streptomyces and (vii) Bacillus. The present study showed that biofertilizer agents were antagonistic to Fusarium wilt. The results showed that biofertilizer agents had the potential to suppress the Fusarium wilt in planta. Streptomyces and Bacillus were the most effective in controlling the Fusarium wilt. Azotobacter and Azospirillum had not been able to prevent the incidence of wilt disease.

Empowerment of Farmer Community Group in Sampali Village Together with Students of Agriculture Faculty Medan Area University in Barangan Banana Plants Development with Tissue Culture Banana Seeds,Suckers and Applications of Mycorrhiza

Sampali Village is an agricultural area that is very suitable for banana planting. Various types of bananas found in the village include Barangan, Kepok, Molen, Raja and banana Nangka . Banana shoots from harvested mother plants are used for development in new areas. Banana seedlings from the suckers appear healthy, but often these suckers die after 1-2 months of planting in new areas. This is because these bananas have been infected with fungal pathogen wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporm f. sp cubense and Ralstonia syzygii subsp. celebesensis causes of blood diseases. Both of these pathogens are the main cause of the low quality of banana seeds. The use of low-quality banana seedlings (sapling sources), high pest and disease attacks are the factors causing the reduced amount of banana planting land which results in low banana production in Sampali Village, Percut Sei Tuan District, Deli Serdang Regency. Banana farmer groups in the village of Sampali have never used and planted banana seedlings that were propagated by tissue culture. The objectives of the activity were: 1. Socialization and practice of propagation of banana seedlings from sucker . Mycorrhizal inoculant application when planting seedlings in a polybag. To increase the knowledge of farmer group members and also the students of Agricukture Faculty,Universitas Medan Area the learning of banana propagation techniques is carried out in vitro at the Balai Benih Induk Hortikultura, Gedung Johor Medan . The method used to solve the above problems is the provision of material, the practice of making banana seedlings through the propagation of tillers and a visit to the Balai Benih Induk Hortikultura, Gedung Johor Medan. At the end of the activity, an increase in the knowledge and skills of participants in providing quality banana seeds is the source of banana propagation in the village Sampali

Cavendish Banana (Musa acuminata) Plantlet Acclimatization in The Different Composition of Planting Media

Provide cavendish banana seedling massively can be solved with Provide cavendish banana seedling massively can be solved with tissue culture. One of the critical period in tissue culture is acclimatization. Acclimatization problem came from external factor, i.e. planting media. It causes cavendish banana plantlet got growth shambles and caused die. Planting media functions as growing media and nutrition source or fertilizer plant needed and hold the water within a certain time limit. Aside from, media necessity equilibration between micro and macro pore to keep stability between water, air and nutrition. Aimthis research was to understand the kind of the optimal media compositions in cavendish banana plantlet acclimatization. This research using Complete Randomized Design. Kind of compositions media used i.e. M1 = cocopeat : husk charhcoal : soil (1:1:2); M2 = cocopeat : husk charchcoal : compost (1:1:2); M3 = cocopeat : husk charchcoal : sand = (1:1:2). Observation variables were average of seedling growth precentage, plant height, addition of leaves, and growth of seedling phenotypes. Observation done on 15 daa (day after acclimatization) until 30 daa with interval 15 daa. The results showed that the all three treatments composition of planting media effected on seedling growth precentage, plant height andaddition of leaves. Observation in 30daa showed that planting media of cocopeat + husk charchcoal + sand having the best response treatment in parameter of seedling growth precentage, plant height andaddition of leaves.

Changes of plant biomass partitioning, tissue nutrients and carbohydrates status in magnesium-deficient banana seedlings and remedy potential by foliar application of magnesium

Magnesium (Mg) is involved in many biochemical and physiological processes affecting plant growth and development. Although Mg deficiency is a widespread problem in banana production, detailed study of physiological responses to Mg deficiency in banana crops is lacking. Here, we characterized plant biomass partitioning, tissue nutrient distribution and carbohydrates status of banana seedlings grown under sufficient and deficient Mg supply. We also studied the potential of remedying Mg deficiency by foliar application of Mg. Mg deficiency severely decreased plant growth, especially biomass partitioning from rhizome to root and led to a reduction of root/shoot dry weight ratio. Under Mg deficiency, plant Mg status was reduced but the concentrations of N, P and K were increased in most tissues. Mg deficiency caused an overall reduction in tissue glucose and fructose contents, and accumulation of sucrose, amylose and amylopectin in leaves. Sucrose, amylose and amylopectin contents were however reduced in pseudostem, rhizome and root of plants with Mg deficiency. Foliar application of Mg to Mg-deficient plants completely recovered banana plant growth, nutrients and carbohydrates status.

Fermentation optimization and disease suppression ability of a Streptomyces ma. FS-4 from banana rhizosphere soil

BackgroundFusarium wilt of banana is one of the most destructive diseases in banana-growing regions worldwide. Soil-borne diseases and soil microbial communities are closely related. The screening of antagonistic bacteria from soil microorganisms in areas with Fusarium wilt of banana is of great practical significance for controlling this disease.ResultsA strain designated FS-4 was isolated from healthy banana rhizosphere soil in an area affected by Fusarium wilt. This strain exhibited a significant antagonistic effect on the pathogen. Pot experiments revealed that the fermentation broth of strain FS-4 not only decreased the incidence of banana Fusarium wilt, but also promoted the growth of banana seedlings. The strain was identified as Streptomyces ma. by its morphological, physiological, and biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis. The culture and fermentation conditions for this strain were optimized by single-factor and response surface experiments. The optimum culture conditions for Streptomyces ma. FS-4 were as follows: peptone 0.5%, saccharose 2.4, 0.05% K2HPO4, 0.05% MgCl2, and 0.05% NaCl at an initial pH of 7.0; 180 g at 28 °C; and inoculation size of 6% for 62 h. The diameter of bacteriostasis circle for Bacillus subtilis reached 26.7 mm.ConclusionStreptomyces ma. FS-4 is an important microbial resource as a biological agent for the control of plant pathogenic fungi and can be used to promote banana growth.

Oil palm and banana root colonization potential of locally isolated nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria

Oil palm and banana are the biggest commodity crop and the second largest fruit crop planted in Malaysia. Both oil palm and banana are highly nutrient-demanding crops that requires a large amount of fertilizer input. This presents an opportunity to find alternative source of nutrient that is much cheaper than the imported inorganic fertilizer. Currently, the most feasible alternative to the inorganic fertilizer is the recycling of the organic-rich oil palm empty fruit bunch (EFB) to produce EFB compost as well as the incorporation of nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB) and phosphate-solubilising bacteria (PSB) to the EFB compost to increase the supply of nitrogen and phosphorous to the plant at different stages of growth. Hence, the objective of this study was to isolate, screen and identify indigenous bacterium, from the root surroundings of oil palm and banana plant, with highest nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing properties. Three NFB and PSB strains (Enterobacter cloaceae KU886016, Burkholderia cepacia KU925862, Serratia marcescens KU925861), were successfully isolated and formulated as biofertilizer for evaluation on oil palm and banana seedlings. Enterobacter cloaceae KU886016 showed higher root colonization ability compared to Burkholderia cepacia KU925862 and Serratia marcescens KU925861, as shown from the FESEM analysis. This finding is important as a direct indication on the suitability of using these bacteria in field application as biofertilizer. Long-term expectation is for this finding to be able to assist in reducing the dependency on imported inorganic fertilizers, reducing operational cost as well as promoting sustainable soil health.

Growth of seedlings in banana plant cv. Prata Catarina micropropagated in organic substrates

In commercial bananas there is an increasing increase for seedlings of high genetic quality and free of pathogens; thus, the use of micropropagation has been increasingly encouraged for the production of seedlings. However, the success of establishing these seedlings in the environment depends on several factors, in which, the substrate has a relevant role. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth of micropropagated banana seedlings under the influence of different formulations of substrates based on soil, bovine manure and vegetable ash for organic production system. The experiment was carried out on a certified rural property under an organic production system in the municipality of Palmácia (CE). The experimental design used was completely randomized, with four replications. The substrates were used in a ratio of 2:1, always two parts of soil for one of substrate, which was used: soil (ravine soil), organic compost (bovine manure + vegetal remains), bovine manure and vegetable ash (from sugar cane mill). The test was conducted in full sun and without the aid of irrigation, as the experiment coincided with the rainy season in the region. At 68 days after planting (DAP), growth analyzes were carried out: plant height, diameter of the pseudostem, number of leaves, length of roots, fresh and dry mass of aerial part and roots. The best substrates for the growth of micropropagated banana seedlings cv. Prata Catarina were mixtures of soil + organic compost and soil + manure.

Virulence Factor Identification in the Banana Pathogen Dickeya zeae MS2.

The phytopathogen Dickeya zeae MS2 is a particularly virulent agent of banana soft rot disease. To begin to understand this banana disease and to understand the role of quorum sensing and quorum-sensing-related regulatory elements in D. zeae MS2, we sequenced its genome and queried the sequence for genes encoding LuxR homologs. We identified a canonical LuxR-LuxI homolog pair similar to those in other members of the genus Dickeya The quorum-sensing signal for this pair was N-3-oxo-hexanoyl-homoserine lactone, and the circuit affected motility, cell clumping, and production of the pigment indigoidine, but it did not affect infections of banana seedlings in our experiments. We also identified a luxR homolog linked to a gene annotated as encoding a proline iminopeptidase. Similar linked pairs have been associated with virulence in other plant pathogens. We show that mutants with deletions in the proline iminopeptidase gene are attenuated for virulence. Surprisingly, a mutant with a deletion in the gene encoding the LuxR homolog shows normal virulence.IMPORTANCEDickeya zeae is an emerging banana soft rot pathogen in China. We used genome sequencing and annotation to create an inventory of potential virulence factors and virulence gene regulators encoded in Dickeya zeae MS2, a particularly virulent strain. We created mutations in several genes and tested these mutants in a banana seedling infection model. A strain with a mutated proline iminopeptidase gene, homologs of which are important for disease in the Xanthomonas species phytopathogens, was attenuated for soft rot symptoms in our model. Understanding how the proline iminopeptidase functions as a virulence factor may lead to insights about how to control the disease, and it is of general importance as homologs of the proline iminopeptidase occur in dozens of plant-associated bacteria.

The Growth of FHIA-17 Banana Seedlings with Application of Hijauan Paitan Fertilizer (Titonia diversifolia) and Cow Manure

Growth of FHIA-17 Banana Seedlings with the Application of Hijauan Paitan Fertilizer (Titonia Diversifolia) and Cow Manure. The aim of this study was to obtain data on the growth of FHIA-17 banana seedlings after application of T.diversifolia forage and cow manure. Using a factorial Randomized Block Design (CRD) with two treatment factors. The first factor is the forage dose of T. diversifolia (P) with 5 levels, P0=Control; P1=12.5 g kg-1 planting medium (equivalent to 5 tons ha-1); P2=25 g kg-1 planting medium (equivalent to 10 tons ha-1); P3=37.5 g / kg of planting media (equivalent to 15 tons ha-1); P4=50 g kg-1 of growing media (equivalent to 20 tons ha-1). The second factor is the dose of cow manure (K) with 5 treatment levels namely, K0=Control; P1=12.5 g kg-1 of growing media (equivalent to 5 tons ha-1); K2=25 g kg-1 of growing media (equivalent to 10 tons ha-1); K3= 37.5 g kg-1 of growing media (equivalent to 15 tons ha-1); K4=50 g kg-1 planting medium (equivalent to 20 tons ha-1 and repeated 2 (two) times. Observed parameters were plant height (cm), number of leaves, stem circumference (mm), plant wet weight (g), plant dry weight (g). The results of this study indicate that the application of forage T. diversifolia significantly affected plant height and number of leaves. It’s not real with respect to all observational parameters.

The Effectiveness of Endomycorrhiza Species on the Growth of Barangan Banana Seedlings

Utilization of various species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in Barangan banana nurseries has been carried out in a wire house. The aim of the study was to obtain data on the effectiveness of Barangan banana seedling growth after various FMA species were applied. This research was conducted with a Completely Randomized Design with mycorrhizal (A) treatment consisting of 4 levels, namely: A0. Without mycorrhizae, A1. Glomus type 1; A2. Acaulospora type 4 and A3. Glomus fasciculatum (FMA isolate collection of Prof. Dr. Ir. Eti Farda Husin, MS) with 5 replications. A total of 10 g of FMA inoculants were separately put into the acclimatization media of the Barangan plantlet in the form of a sterilized charcoal and sand mixture (2: 1). during acclimatization. The results of this study indicate that seedling growth is better in the treatment of FMA applications than in controls. Acaulospora type-4 FMA isolates; Glomus type-1 and G. fasciculatum can increase the height of Barangan banana seedlings at a rate of: 3.117%; 2,831% and 2,328% while the rate of leaf growth is better in Glomus type-1 applications (1,865%), G. fasciculatum (1,709%) and Acaulospora type 4 (1,412 and control (1,174%).

Analysis of potential featured agriculture commodities and processed products in Sragen Regency

This research aimed to identify the mapping of potential featured agricultural commodities and processed products in Sragen Regency. Data analysis used Exponential Comparative Method (ECM) and Borda Method. ECM Method showed that featured agriculture commodities at subdistrict level in Sragen Regency are Paddy, Pomelo Oranges, Corn, Banana Seedlings, Chili, Peanut, Melon, Watermelon, Sugarcane, Cassava, Arrowroot, Soybean, Fish, etc. Borda Method showed that the five featured agriculture commodities in Sragen Regency are Paddy with a value of 13, 600.56; Corn 4, 918.36; Sugar Cane 3, 313.95; Pamelo Orange 1, 466.64; and Peanut 904.64. Borda Method also showed that the featured processed products in the subdistrict level at Sragen Regency are Intip, Processed Fish, Rice, Marneng, Tempe Benguk, Ampyang, Emping Garut, Tofu, Keripik Tempe, Etawa Milk, Cornmeal, and others. Borda Method showed that the fifth rank featured processed products in Sragen Regency are Rice with the value of 7, 530.2; Marneng 1, 683; Emping Garut 1, 241.99; Keripik Tempe 957.65; and Tempe Benguk 713.99. It means that the featured agriculture commodities in Sragen Regency feasible to economic development priority in order to support community economic welfare are Rice, Corn, Garut, Pamelo Orange, and Peanut. Meanwhile, the featured processed products in Sragen Regency feasible to develop are Rice, Marneng, Emping Garut, Keripik Tempe, and Tempe Benguk.

Effects of Piriformospora indica on rooting and growth of tissue-cultured banana (Musa acuminata cv. Tianbaojiao) seedlings

Piriformospora indica is a plant growth- and disease resistance-promoting fungus in the Sebacinales family. In this study, the effect of this symbiotic fungus on the growth of tissue-cultured banana seedlings was investigated to explore its potential applications in the banana tissue culture industry. P. indica plugs (P-1) and a P. indica chlamydospore suspension (P-2) were co-cultured with banana seedlings in rooting medium to investigate their growth-promoting efficiency. Both the P-1 and P-2 treatments improved the plant biomass and chlorophyll contents of banana seedlings. The P-2 treatment had stronger promoting effects than the P-1 treatment, especially on plant height and root length in the first 3 weeks. At 4 weeks after inoculation, seedlings in the P-1 and P-2 treatments showed increased plant height, more and longer roots, increased shoot fresh weight, leaf width and length, and stem circumference compared with controls. The P. indica treatments also significantly enhanced the chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b, total chlorophyll, and carotenoid contents in banana leaves. The results of this study verified that the fungus can facilitate the growth of banana seedlings in vitro and shorten the rooting time of tissue-cultured banana seedlings. Therefore, it has the potential to improve the growth and quality of tissue-cultured banana plants.